#BeUMC

May is a full month--Asian American Month, Foster Care Month, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to name a few. And then there's May Day, Teacher’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Nurse’s Day, National Day of Prayer, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day… According to holidayinsights.com, each day offers something to remember and/or celebrate. And let’s not forget about graduations and the Kentucky Derby!

Each day invites chances to remember, explore, learn, and share. Each day offers an opportunity to find ways to celebrate and embrace our differences.

For those of us who are United Methodist, May 1 was a day that ushered in a different path for some of our brothers and sisters. Maybe you have read or heard about The Global Methodist Church (GMC). The GMC, according to umnews.org is defined as “a theologically conservative breakaway denomination.” All agree that it will take time to sort things out and I truly believe that ALL want to be a church that makes a difference for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I will remain a United Methodist for the very reasons I became a United Methodist--All Means ALL. All have a place at the table to share the Good News of Jesus and grow in love of God and neighbor. I see our church growing in numbers, energy, commitment, and hope. Now, more than ever, this should remain our focus… to love like Jesus loves.

#BeUMC,

Pastor Jo

Nothing to Hide

A friend recommended a book with an interesting title, Standing Naked Before God: The Art of Public Confession. The title alone can bring a check in one’s spirit. To stand before God with no covering, no excuses, no churchy words…

A small child may read the title, giggle, and not give it another thought. One might think it is because of the word, “Naked.” But he has no need to fear baring his soul to God. She knows God loves her just the way she is and she doesn’t need to hide anything.

When did the rest of us forget that? When did we decide that God demands our Sunday best? Our emotions must be neatly pressed, thoughts crystal clear, and hearts as white as grandpa’s new handkerchief. Our prayers must have plenty of Thee's and Thou's, and always say, “Thank you” before you say, “please.”

For me, standing naked before God means that there is trust that God knows us and loves us anyway. God sees our impurities, our wounds, and the “sewage in our hearts” and says, “I can help you with that.”

I hear it as an invitation similar to the one Moses experienced at the burning bush, “Take off your shoes. You’re on holy ground.”

Go ahead, sink your toes into holiness, let the breath of God refresh your spirit, and free you to make a difference in the world.

Having nothing to hide doesn’t mean we’re perfect. It means we are loved.

Pastor Jo

April 27, 2022

We Are Easter People!

Holy Week is one of the most powerful weeks in the life of the church. When we jump from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday we miss out on so much! This Thursday at 6 pm we will remember the Lord’s Last Supper, share the bread and cup, and journey through the last few hours of Jesus’ life. This is a powerful reminder of God’s passion for each of us. We give thanks that the crucifixion is not the end of the story!

We must also remember that Easter is so much more than one day a year. In the liturgical calendar it is a season. As Christians, it is what defines us. We are Easter People! Join us this Sunday as we celebrate!

Our Easter Season sermon series is RECONNECTING, as we REpent, REmain, REstore, REthink, REveal, and RElease. Invite someone to join you at church!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jo